State of Washington News and Information

Budget FAQ

April 15, 2011

I've heard that Administration has refused to commit to cutting the salary of every employee group by 3% and that the burden is likely to fall primarily on one group or another. Is that true?

The legislative proposals assume that all employee groups will share in the adjustments to achieve the 3% reduction. The College believes that fairness across groups of employees is a serious consideration.

What's the process for prioritizing cuts? Who is involved?

The president and vice presidents have been working with the budget coordinators for each division – based on input from managers and directors in each area – to prioritize not only cuts, but also areas that may need additional funding to sustain college operations and support enrollment targets and revenue needs. There will be additional campus forums to share that work when it is completed.

When would any pay cuts or furloughs take effect?

Employees can participate in a voluntary leave without pay program right now. Any legislative changes concerning salary and benefits, including possible mandatory furloughs, could start as soon as July 1.

How will the furloughs work?

We don’t have enough information yet to know specifically.

Will people that make more money carry a bigger burden of the cuts than people who make less?

We have seen proposals that tier the impact based on salary level. For example, the Senate budget proposal would add furlough days for employees that make more than $50,000 per year, using the following model:

Less than $50,000 (no additional furlough)

$50,000-$74,999 – 2 additional furlough days (16 hours – 2 days)

$75,000-$99,999 – 4 additional furlough days (32 hours – 4 days)

$100,000-$124,999 – 6 additional furlough days (48 hours – 6 days)

$125,000+ - 8 additional furlough days (64 hours – 8 days)

Will there be changes in my TIAA-CREF retirement benefits?

It is our understanding at this point that pension changes would affect future employees only. However, the financial burden for maintaining the benefits for current employees would now rest with the college, and that equates to an additional budget cut.

Which Evergreen capital projects are funded?

The Senate and House released proposed biennial capital budgets. Both strongly support the capital needs of higher education in Washington. A final agreement must still be reached. Here's a brief comparison on proposed funding for major Evergreen projects.

House's Capital Budget

Senate's Capital Budget

Communications Bldg. Remodel

$10.777 million

$9.16

Science Lab I , 2nd Floor Renovation

$4.95 million

$4.95 million

Lecture Hall Pre-design

$300,000

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Can't we delay capital projects and use the money to cover budget cuts for operations (or reduce tuition increases)?

The capital budget is one of three budgets that fund state activities in Washington. The other two are the operating and transportation budgets. The three budgets fund different aspects of state government.

The Capital Budget is supported by several funding streams. Funding for capital includes general obligation bonds, dedicated accounts, trust revenue, and federal funding sources. Washington's capital budget is primarily funded through the issuance of state general obligation bonds. Get more details regarding the capital budget (PDF)